I know, when we engage in conversation,
that people expect me to look at them

it’s the polite thing to do
it shows that you care
that you’re paying attention

so I try to remember
remember to turn my face towards theirs when they speak

even though I can’t see those faces
can’t see the sparkle in their eyes
can’t see their grimaces sharing unpleasant experiences
can’t see their delight describing new born grandchildren

but I try
try to show that I do care
that I want to connect with them

but in truth
they are all ghosts with voices

and I am left wondering

did that conversation really happen
were those real people

am I really here, now, living in a world I could once see

or is this all a dream

tio stib aka uncle steve